Wireless Telecommunication Facilities (WTF) consist of antennas and equipment that transmit and receive data for cell phone and other mobile communication services. The Wireless Telecommunication Facilities Ordinance establishes regulations pertaining to the location, siting, development, design and permitting of wireless communications facilities for all areas of the City in order to facilitate the development of a wireless communications infrastructure in the City for commercial, public and emergency uses, and protect the health, safety, welfare and aesthetic concerns of the public.

Application Information

The application process for new wireless facilities has changed. All applicants for wireless projects must fill out a Wireless Telecommunication Facility Application for proposed wireless facilities. Please note, the application covers three types of telecommunication facilities:

Administrative Permit (Submit to Planning Department): Includes amateur radio facilities, single-lot reception facilities, and “eligible facilities requests” (definition under Application Review Procedure, page 8) that are located on private property and not otherwise listed under “Satellite Exceptions” (definition under Application Review Procedure, page 8) as not being subject to Chapter 18.57.

Conditional Use Permit (Submit to Planning Department): Includes new free-standing wireless telecommunication facilities, that are not collocated on existing telecommunication facilities, and that represent substantial changes not meeting the definition of an Eligible Facilities Request (definition under Application Review Procedure, page 8). This includes non-right-of-way public property locations. This also includes proposed master deployment plan permits not in the public right-of-way.

Small Cell Facility Permit (Submit to Public Works Department): Includes small cell facilities and “master deployment plan” permits in the public right-of-way.

Depending on the type of permit being requested, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Planning Department or Public Works Department to arrange for a pre-submittal appointment with a staff to review any questions you might have regarding the application. Once you have completely filled out the application forms and gathered all the required supporting documents, please submit your application packet and pay the applicable fees identified in the application. The relevant Department will then review your application to determine if it is complete and provide any comments or changes required. However, please be aware that only complete application packages will be accepted for processing. Incomplete application packages will be provided back to the applicant with comments from staff as to why the application is incomplete.

Please note, a completed Wireless Telecommunication Facility Application (and attachments, if applicable) is required for all WTFs. Applications for WTFs requiring a land use permit or an Encroachment Permit must be accompanied by the applicable permit application.